Bob Harig

(2:32 PM)

Forgive the late start, but we'll get going at 3:15 p.m. ET. Feel free to post questions and I'll be back answering them at that time. Thanks

Bob Harig

(3:13 PM)

Hey, sorry again folks for the late start.Let's get going. Fire away with questions and I'll answer as many as I can get to. Thanks

JY (TO)

With Tiger's game super sharp and his confidence level the highest its been in years, would it not be a mild surprise if he didnt win a major this year?

Bob Harig

(3:14 PM)

Yes. The thought here was he'd win one this year, and that was before the start he has gotten off to. Now you almost expect it.

Chris K (Wisconsin)

Thanks for tearing yourself away from wealthy folks partying with elite golfers...all enveloped in a sheen of charity!

Bob Harig

(3:15 PM)

As most of you know, I'm not a big fan of the Tavistock Cup. .. or as I like to call it, the Travesty Cup. Have never covered it. Hope to never cover it. No offense to the players whatsoever. Just think it sends a bad message, and is horrible for the tournaments that surround it.

JY (TO)

Snead's 82 wins cleary seems set to fall to Tiger within the next year or two. Realistically how high could he go? 100?

Bob Harig

(3:16 PM)

He's now 23 away from 100. Why not? That's a huge number, but if he can be competitive for another 10 years, it's certainly very possible.

JY (TO)

We all know that Tiger's pursuit of Jack's 18 majors is the most important standard in evaluating Tiger's career at the end of the day. But do you think once he gets within a win or two of Snead's mark that there will be more hoopla around this achievement? It's hard to beleive that the race for the most all time wins in the history of the PGA tour is generating so little buzz.

Bob Harig

(3:17 PM)

You would hope it would have more meaning. The problem is these records have been a moving target. Victories have been added and taken away over the years. For whatever reason, 82 has never resonnated quite the same as 18.

Cody (Nebraska)

Any idea what Rory at least has to do to get number 1 spot back this week?

Bob Harig

(3:18 PM)

This is not official, as the field has to be set completely to determine strength of field, I believe he can only get back to NO. 1 if he wins.

Dan (CA)

Bob, question about the Masters coverage. Do you know who makes the decision on the "featured" online groups thurs and fri? Every year they intentionally keep Tiger out of either the thurs or fri coverage and it's really frustrating. Is it too much to ask that we get to see Tiger play most/all of his shots during the biggest tournament of the year?

Bob Harig

(3:19 PM)

Glad you brought this up. This is totally a club decision. While I am not privvy to the discussions, I could almost assure you that ESPN (or any other network that televises golf) would show all of Tiger if they could. Augusta National makes those decisions.

MyGFlovesLittleHootie (Miami)

I dont know what to think about Tigers Game. On one hand he is winning at an other worldly rate but on the other hand he seems to be spraying it all over the place and middle of the pack in GIR. Is he hitting it that bad or are those stats misleading? Can he get away with this at Augusta? Chances are he wont be making 95% of his 10 to 20 footers at Augusta

Bob Harig

(3:21 PM)

It is true that Tiger needs to drive it better. He is 142nd on the tour in accuracy, hitting just over 55 percent of his fairways. Now stats can be misleading. He might miss by an inch. But he was also missing fairways with clubs other than the driver. He is a respectable but not great 75th in GIR at about 66 percent. That number is actually fine. The key for Tiger is to take advantage of the birdie opportunities he gives himself, by hitting it close and making putts.

Griffin (Geneseo, NY)

How do players and caddies get such accurate yardages from anywhere on the course?

Bob Harig

(3:22 PM)

All of the players and caddies have yardage books that have numbers charted from various landmarks, whether it be bunkers, sprinkler heads, trees, etc.

Brian (Sacramento, CA)

Which major championship is more pretigious to win? (The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open or PGA Championship).

Bob Harig

(3:23 PM)

I would say they are all the same. You can bet that someone who wins any of them will not have a problem with prestige.

Chris (Chicago)

If Tiger does in fact win the Masters, could we see a season with 8-10 wins and 2-3 majors? I have a feeling when that monkey comes off his back Jack's record will fall before Tiger turns 40.

Bob Harig

(3:24 PM)

Might be getting ahead of ourselves. It's a fickle game. Many had him putting on the green jacket after he won Bay Hill last year. It's a great sign for him that he's playing well. But no guarantees.

Pratik (Duke University)

Hey Bob, great work as usual. I was wondering if Tiger being ranked 142nd in driving accuracy this year (despite his historic putting) will prevent him from winning any majors?

Bob Harig

(3:25 PM)

He needs to be better off the tee. Not great, just better. If he were 100th in accuracy, that would be enough, because he's so strong with his iron play. Short game is terrific again.

Sal (Philadelphia)

Bob, if Tiger and Jack both played in this era with the current equipment, who wins more majors? What about Jack's era?

Bob Harig

(3:26 PM)

Great question. Jack would have been aided just like all with the new equipment. But it also narrows the gap in talent. Tiger might have really been dominant with the old stuff, because in theory, his skill level would be even greater.

Sean (Pensacola, FL)

I don't know why people keep saying Tiger can't win with a cut at Augusta. Didn't Jack hit a cut all of his career? If Tiger keeps putting the way he does, I don't think the cut will matter anyway. Thoughts?

Bob Harig

(3:27 PM)

Jack hit a draw where he needed to. . holes like 2, 5, 9, 10, 13...Tiger can do the same

Griffin (Geneseo, NY)

Tiger is often compared to MJ, and rightfully so. When MJ retired from the NBA for good, there wasn't a feeling that he hadn't done something in the game and he is recognized as the greatest basketball player ever. MJ won 6 titles which is not most all time and does not have the most points of all time either. If Tiger ends his career without the major record, say he gets 16 or 17...will he leave the game as the greatest golfer of all-time like MJ left basketball?

Bob Harig

(3:28 PM)

If he doesn't get to 18 or 19, there will be room for debate. But clearly, his overall career will be in the discussion.

Cory (Texas)

Do you think Tiger's wins are more of a byproduct of the courses he's won on or his game finally returning? Or a combo of both?

Bob Harig

(3:29 PM)

It is more his game returning. He hadn't won at Doral since 07. His last win at Torrey was 08 and he had his worst performance there in 2011. The courses do not guarantee success.

stuart (oklahoma)

What is the hold up on the anchoring ban?

Bob Harig

(3:29 PM)

They have said all along they would make a final determination sometime this spring.

Paul (Portland, OR)

Hi Bob. In Collins' chat yesterday, there seemed to be speculation, including from him, that Sergio's WD had more to do with scorecard up to that point than injury. Given his track record, that probably wouldn't shock anyone. Your thoughts?

Bob Harig

(3:30 PM)

It's quite possible the injury was to his mental state. Wonder why he went up in the tree when he was already in a bad spot because of the 9 he made earlier.

Shoshana (Boston)

Bob, there seems to be some revisionist history with regards to "old Tiger." Driving accuracy ranks: 2000 - 54th, 2001 - 147, 2002 - 107, 2003 - 142. The fact of the matter is Tiger was NEVER an accurate driver of the golf ball and yet he still DOMINATED. Perhaps his driving issue is the surest sign that Tiger is "back."

Bob Harig

(3:32 PM)

It's true that Tiger has never been the most accurate. And the way courses are set up now, it makes it even harder, which skews the stats. You can't compare to 2000. He had a shorter shaft and fairways were wider. Almost everyone's stats are worse today. But...he still has too many big misses. The drive he hit Saturday off the 9th tee could have been well been out of bounds. He got a break. Yesterday he wasn't even using a driver and hit one behind a tree at the 8th. It's really more about how bad is the miss. If he missed a few fairways by a yard or two, no big deal.

Nick (Atlanta)

Another no show for Phil last week. Will he be ready for Augusta?

Bob Harig

(3:32 PM)

This is Phil. Maddeningly inconsistent. I really don't think it matters much.

Shoshana (Boston)

well hey at least the other shoshana from Boston now uses stats, so improvement :). Tiger won last week with at best his B game. He hit some good wedges, but about the only thing he did really well was putt

Bob Harig

(3:33 PM)

He was also pretty good when it came to proximity to the hole. Not at the top, but good enough.

TG (Alabama)

I'm a Tiger fan and I always will be. Looks at all the comments about him on this blog. He moves TV ratings needle and the consciousness of sports world around the globe. The one thing I wish he would clean up is not his driver, its his language while playing. That would leave his critics with nothing else to say.

Bob Harig

(3:34 PM)

Tiger probably doesn't condone it himself, but it's a sport where the microphones and cameras are right on him all the time. Lots of guys swear, you just don't know about it as much.

Pratik (Duke University)

Bob, I'll admit that I (like many others) only watch golf heavily because of Tiger. But I was always curious to see from golf writers' perspective if you guys are tired of talking about him? I can tell that almost all of your questions on this forum are about him.

Bob Harig

(3:35 PM)

No, I don't get tired of talking about him or writing about him. His success has been amazing to witness. And his fall and attempts to get back are very compelling as well. Either way, he provides something of interest.

Brian (Sacramento)

If Tiger is the best in the world why do we hear it is difficult for him to hit a draw instead of a cut shot?

Bob Harig

(3:37 PM)

I am not sure I believe it is difficult for him to hit a draw. Perhaps that shot is not very comfortable for him. He has had difficulty with a snap hook for sure. Gaining some consistently with the right to left shot is certainly something he would like to improve.

GD (SoCal)

All this talk about Woods being back/not back. the last 5 years pre-scandal, he was winning 40% and 1/3 of majors. Is it even reasonable to expect that again? It may seem whimsical to think this way, but I would suggest throwing out 2010-2011, and if you look at 2009 and 2012 plus start of 2013, he has won 12 times with 0/8 majors. I'd say he's back in winning form, and the only thing missing is consistent contention in majors.

Bob Harig

(3:38 PM)

I have said all along it is unfair to expect him to be "back" to levels he was such as in 2000 or even in 2005 or 2006. He's older. Expectations should be lower. Maybe not from him, but from those watching. What he did was incredible.

Dan (CA)

Are Tiger's WGC wins underrated. The fields are as good as any major and he's won 17 of them. Only one other player has 3.

Bob Harig

(3:40 PM)

Perhaps. One problem with the WGCsis the short fields. Not as much competition, even though the fields are strong.

barb (fl)

One thing I think about Tiger is once he wins another major, I think there could a real return to winning them and he will pass Jack's record. His own pressure and trying too hard has hurt him on the weekends in the majors, and the first one he wins will free him.

Bob Harig

(3:40 PM)

A very valid point

Ed (Long Island)

I think the best way to ease this anchoring ban is tell the players who use it just watch Tiger, Stricker and Sneds putt. They seem to make it look so easy and simple with the swing of their stroke. Nothing complicated in any of them.

Bob Harig

(3:41 PM)

That's why they would never go to an anchored stroke -- which requires work as well

Nick (Atlanta)

Where's the draw for Tiger? Holes 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 13 will play hard with that fade he's got going on. I know it's not mandatory, but playing from the trees in Augusta won't get another green jacket.

Bob Harig

(3:42 PM)

There's nothing saying he can't hit a draw on those holes. He can hit it both ways, just more difficulty with the driver. He's not going to set up on 13 and hit a fade. He's going to try and draw it around the corner.

S.C. (Baton Rouge, LA)

What have you heard in reguards to V. Singh's possible suspension on the use of deer antler spray?

Bob Harig

(3:42 PM)

There has been nothing. A very strange situation.

Matthew (st louis )

I know you always like to take the field but with the way Tiger is putting right now would you take Tiger or the Field at the Masters?

Bob Harig

(3:43 PM)

I still go with the field. You have to go with the odds, take any emotion out of it. So much can happen.

Kaleb (Madison, WI)

Do you think Steve Stricker can get it done at the Masters, or really any major, this year? He's done really well in the few starts that he's had so far this season.

Bob Harig

(3:43 PM)

It's possible that the pressure is now off.

MB (MD)

With Tiger now winning like he used to, and hopefully Majors to come, what golfers do you think did not take advantage of this time to really make a name for themselves (Westwood, Donald, DJ, Fowler etc) as far as Tour wins or Major wins?

Bob Harig

(3:45 PM)

I think Phil was one who really missed out. Remember when he won the Masters in 2010. The rest of that year, he had numerous chances to go to No. 1 for the first time in his career. Certainly Westwood another one in terms of winning major.s

Chris K (Wisconsin)

Does OWGR #3 Justin Rose make your list of 5 players with the best chances to win at Augusta?

Bob Harig

(3:45 PM)

I like Rose at Augusta because he's playing well and has played well there.

Chris K (Wisconsin)

Brandt Snedeker is playing this week following a missed cut at Bay Hill. What will he be working on?

Bob Harig

(3:46 PM)

He just needs to get back to playing and competing. That was a long time away.

barb (fl)

Bob, is there any difference with Tiger over the past year in his interviews with you and the rest of the media - is he more relaxed, or more open?

Bob Harig

(3:46 PM)

He clearly seems more at ease, no question.

Aaron (Wisco)

Just Rose said while refering to Tiger, His intensity is the same on Thursday often as it is on Sunday, and that makes Sunday a lot less different for him. He plays in that kind of atmosphere far more regularly than a lot of guys do, and it's an adjustment for most of us. It's a known for him. Do you think that is what sets Tiger apart from most tour players and is he getting that "mental advantage" that he cant be beat by other players?

Bob Harig

(3:47 PM)

I thought Tiger's advantage via intimidation was gone. But clearly it had an effect over the weekend. Rose admitted it. Said he felt like he had to birdie every hole. That is giving a lot of credit to Tiger. His name up there means something, especially when he is in front. He plays well with the lead, does what he has to do.

Dan (CA)

With so much money for 2nd place these days do you think that has an effect on guys when Tiger is leading? When Tiger has a 3 shot lead on the back 9 I wonder if guys are just trying to play for 2nd.

Bob Harig

(3:48 PM)

That has been a question for years, no matter who is leading. Do I protect that big check or go for the win and possibly risk it?

Aaron (Wisco)

What can Rickie Fowler take from his loss at Bay Hill?

Bob Harig

(3:50 PM)

His patience through 15 holes was commendable. He didn't push it. He went to 16 2 down, and an eagle or birdie there means the last 2 holes matter.

Shoshana (Boston)

So Rory shoots a 65 on Sunday at Doral (under no pressure and in easier conditions than the leaders faced several hours later)...and some of your colleagues are claiming he's fixed and things are just fine and dandy. How do you see his game shaping up this week? Will he contend in Houston?

Bob Harig

(3:51 PM)

Very hard to know. It was one round. It was a good sign. But he's yet to be under the gun in a touranament this year, aside from the Match Play loss.

Chris K (Wisconsin)

Have you learned the comments between Tiger and Arnold Palmer? Apparently they are not printable in a family-friendly forum.

Bob Harig

(3:52 PM)

Arnie basically was chiding Tiger for laying up on the 18th yesterday.. Of course, that was the smart thing to do.

JY (TO)

People are suggesting that Merion wont be a good set up for Tiger, but given how short it is, and how sharp his putting and short irons are, isnt a course where he can stick to 2 irons and 5 woods off the TEE seemingly be right up his alley?

Bob Harig

(3:53 PM)

If he is on with his irons, short game, etc. no course would hurt him.

MB (MD)

Looking at the guys under 30, who do you see being a HOF or close besides Rory? Right now I'm not sure there are any players who will get to 15+ wins and a major. We have been spoiled with Tiger/Phil/Vijay/Ernie but do you think we will see another run close to this with the guys on tour now?

Bob Harig

(3:54 PM)

At the current rate, 10 wins will get you in the Hall of Fame. Still have high hopes for Dustin Johnson to be a big winner. And there is time for Adam Scott

Shoshana (Boston)

The Tavistock cup is an over the top club competition, but all the Fla club championships seem to draw some pro's. Tiger played the Medalist M-G that was on a Friday

Bob Harig

(3:55 PM)

It wasn't hyped and put on TV.

Shoshana (Boston)

Keegan said "he looks like the Tiger I grew up watching." After tormenting the previous generation (Vijay, Phil, Ernie) will Tiger now begin intimidating and tormenting the next generation on Tour (Rickie, Keegan, Hunter, Rory)?

Bob Harig

(3:56 PM)

I didn't see it happening but that seems to now be in play.

Davis (Clemson University)

What do you think the biggest key or obstacle will be for Tiger getting a win at Augusta this year?

Bob Harig

(3:57 PM)

Putting. It cost him a couple of Masters since his last Masters in 2005

Caddy Mike (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida)

There is a big difference between playing golf and the pressure of playing tournament golf on the last nine of the tournament...The latter is where Tiger and Jack are the best

Bob Harig

(3:57 PM)

Both have been brilliant at assesssing the situation and doing what needed to be done.

Matt (Houston)

Some great names playing this week that are not usually here (DJ, Rory, Snedeker). Is it possible not being right before the Masters but keeping the same goal of making the course as close to the Augusta conditions actually helps the tournament?

Bob Harig

(3:58 PM)

It is possible. Some guys just don't like to play the week prior, period.

S.C. (Baton Rouge, LA)

Rory does not have the right kind of grey stuff between the ears. He puts on the pouty face and hides away for awhile. Will these act endear him to people or make him despised for having all the talent in the world, but a lack of intestinal fortitude.

Bob Harig

(3:59 PM)

Think there is still time for him to figure this out and get better at it.

S.C. (Baton Rouge, LA)

Bob, did you regognize like I did that Tiger was practicing for The Masters at Bay Hill and still won the tournament? He was shaping shots meant for Augusta. Thats why he looked inconsistant with the driver. What say you?

Bob Harig

(4:00 PM)

I missed that, frankly. Doesn't mean it isn't so or that there isn't some truth to it. But the courses are so different. And I'm thinking winning was more on his mind than preparing for the Masters. He's got plenty of time to prepare for Augusta.

Tom (Albany)

Whats more impressive (if tiger does it) -- 100 wins or 20 majors?

Bob Harig

(4:01 PM)

The majors is more impressive. Far less opportunities to get them.

Brian (Sacramento)

Would you say that the 17th Hole at the Players is the most popular and famous hole for the players and the fans?

Bob Harig

(4:02 PM)

It is certainly the most recognizable.

Shoshana (Boston)

Rory won both his majors on wet, soft courses (read: not major championship conditions). They played more like regular tour stops than majors. Rory seems to be successful at "dart throwing" golf and seems to struggle when the conditions become firm, fast and difficult. Am I reading too much in to this?

Bob Harig

(4:03 PM)

Possibly. He also won those majors by 8 shots. And Kiawah was much more difficult than Congressional, it offered up plenty of difficulty before Saturday rain. And remember, Rory was right there at the Masters in 2011. He also contended at Whistling Straits.

Shoshana (Boston)

Is the draw something that Tiger can dedicate his practice sessions towards these next 2 weeks? I'm thinking he'll work on that shot repeatedly before the start of the Masters. He'll have that shot come Thursday.

Bob Harig

(4:04 PM)

I think you have to be careful putting too much into it. Martin Kaymer did that and it really messed him up. the difference is that Tiger had that shot in his arsenal before.

Ryan (CT)

Tiger just made a must make par putt to force a playoff at the TC! I know your probably not watching, but still it means something.

Bob Harig

(4:05 PM)

It means... nothing!! But good for him and those enjoying the show

Dan (CA)

Before Tiger started winning majors, were they viewed like they are now? I remember growing up US Amateurs used to count...and I never really remember comparing guys careers based on major wins. In a way we've become too obsessed with the 18 majors right?

Bob Harig

(4:07 PM)

The 4 majors became a big deal with Arnold Palmer in 1960. It never was thought of that way previously. But Nicklaus wasn't counting majors until he realized he had more than anybody. Tiger always made that a goal, which is why it is a big deal.

Pratik (Duke University)

As an aspiring journalist, just wondering what your daily schedule is like? Seems pretty fun to just watch and write about golf all day!

Bob Harig

(4:08 PM)

Ah, not always as fun as it seems!! But not complaining.

Shoshana (Boston)

Don't forget about the Impregnable Quadrilateral! Talk of majors and winning them all has been around for a bit...

Bob Harig

(4:08 PM)

But it wasn't really around post Bob Jones until Palmer in '60 having won the Masters and U.S. Open. Nobody talked about a modern Grand Slam until then.

Shoshana (Baltimore)

Thoughts on Watson giving back a captains pick? What's the upside?

Bob Harig

(4:09 PM)

None, in my mind. He could always just pick the ninth guy if he felt that strongly about it.

Ed (Long Island)

What percent of majors did Walter Hagen win that he played in?

Bob Harig

(4:09 PM)

Don't know the percentage, but the Masters came along after his prime. Based on today's majors, he was deprived of competing in 1/3 of them.

Bob Harig

(4:10 PM)

okay folks, sorry about the late start, wish I could get to everything, many questions today and it is much appreciated. Enjoy the run-up to the Masters and feel free to fire questions my way on Twitter @bobharig.. Thanks